Baby Carrier

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are provided for guards which attach to a baby carrier and protect a pelvic area of a caregiver wearing the baby carrier. The resulting improved baby carrier physically blocks and/or damps the force of kicks and other motions of an infant positioned in the baby carrier, particularly a front facing infant having a degree of leg movement freedom. The guard may be shaped with a substantially widened portion to provide increased coverage for the entire pelvic area of the caregiver. This comprehensive protection may be especially appreciated by male caregivers, whose pelvic regions would otherwise be unprotected. A variety of form factors are described, including a hanging guard, a pocketed guard, a wrap-around guard, and a through-buckle guard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS; BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/613,439, filed Mar. 20, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to baby carriers, and more specifically, to an improved baby carrier.

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of infants are often presented with a variety of conflicting demands on their time. For example, infants frequently need attention and/or transport while at the same time caregivers also need to carry objects, manipulate objects, care for older children, and perform other tasks. The caregiver of an infant frequently finds himself in need of more than two hands to perform all demanded tasks simultaneously.

The market has responded to this need with the baby carrier: a device designed to provide restraint and transport for infants in a safe and comfortable manner, while leaving the caregiver's hands free to perform other tasks. These baby carriers come in a variety of different designs which place the infant in a variety of different body positions relative to the caregiver.

One set of baby carrier designs allows the infant to be positioned facing outward, away from the caregiver, with legs dangling from the carrier and free to move. With this type of front faceable baby carrier, there are a range of positions and infant body sizes that present the possibility of the infant's feet making contact with the pelvic region of the caregiver, or more specifically the genital area. This contact can be unpleasant and painful, particularly for male caregivers, and in some extreme cases may even pose a health risk for the caregiver.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a baby carrier that can provide protection for a caregiver while supporting a front facing infant.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram that depicts a caregiver wearing a front faceable baby carrier;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a hanging guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the hanging guard from FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pocketed guard for a baby carrier, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wrap-around guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a two-piece through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

General Overview

In an embodiment, guards are provided for attaching to a baby carrier. The resulting improved baby carrier protects the caregiver by physically blocking and/or dampening the force of kicks and other motions by an infant positioned in the baby carrier, particularly a front facing infant having a degree of leg movement freedom. The guard may be shaped with a substantially widened portion to provide increased coverage for the entire pelvic area of the caregiver. This comprehensive protection may be especially appreciated by male caregivers, whose pelvic regions would otherwise be unprotected.

A variety of form factors and attachment means are described, including a hanging guard, a pocketed guard, a wrap-around guard, and a through-buckle guard. Since the guard can be attached as a separate removable item, the guard can be easily removed from the baby carrier when desired, for example when transferring the baby carrier from one caregiver to another. In some embodiments, the guard may be manufactured as an integral part of the baby carrier.

Front Facing Baby Carrier

Before discussing the various guards in detail, it may be helpful to provide an overview of a front faceable baby carrier. Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a diagram that depicts a caregiver wearing a front faceable baby carrier. Diagram 100 of FIG. 1 includes caregiver 102 with a pelvic region 104, infant 106 with two feet 108, and baby carrier 110 with a base 111.

As shown in FIG. 1, when an infant 106 is placed in a carrier positioned on the front of the body 110, particularly when the infant is facing front as shown, the baby's feet 108 can make contact with the pelvic region 104 of the adult wearing the carrier. The human pelvic area 104, especially in the male, is very sensitive to impact. So in such a situation, the adult must choose between the benefits of a baby carrier (e.g., baby safety with free-handed mobility) and freedom from pain. Wearing the baby carrier is convenient but too often painful, while not wearing the baby carrier is inconvenient but safe. It would be far more desirable to enjoy the benefits of the baby carrier in a pain-free manner.

Accordingly, to solve the above described problem, various guard form factors are proposed below to provide an improved baby carrier.

Hanging Guard Attachment

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a hanging guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 200 of FIG. 2A includes baby carrier 210 and guard attachment 240. Baby carrier 210 includes base 211, fastening element 212 and strap 214. Guard attachment 240 includes opening 224. With respect to FIG. 2A, baby carrier 210 may correspond to baby carrier 110 from FIG. 1.

The wearer fastens the guard attachment 240 to the baby carrier 210 by first passing the fastening element 212 through the opening 224, then connecting the shoulder strap 214 to the fastening element 212. This second step secures the guard attachment 240 in place with the widened bottom portion hanging downward, protecting the pelvic area of the wearer. For clarity, the fastening element 212 may be a buckle as shown, or may be some other type of fastener.

While guard attachment 240 is separately removable in FIG. 2A, baby carrier 210 may also integrate guard attachment 240 in some embodiments, where the carrier portion and the guard portion form an integrated baby carrier.

Hanging Guard Shape And Materials

Turning to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the hanging guard from FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment. Guard attachment 240 of FIG. 2B includes opening 224, badge 226, elongated top portion 227, and widened bottom portion 228.

This embodiment of the guard attachment 240 is 138 mm wide at the widest point of the elongated top portion 227. The elongated top portion 227 surrounds an opening 224 that is 100 mm wide and 40 mm high. The guard attachment tapers slightly before flaring out in a widened bottom portion 228 that is 200 mm wide. The guard attachment is 302 mm tall.

Guard attachment 240 may be carefully designed to provide complete protection for the pelvic area of the wearer, while preserving range of motion and maintaining attractive aesthetics. Moderate variations in dimensions/proportions (±20% along any dimension) may be desirable to accommodate differences in body types, baby carriers and/or aesthetic preferences.

Guard attachment 240 may be constructed of a molded EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) core with nylon fabric bonded to the outer surfaces of the molded EVA core. Edges are finished with stitched and glued fabric piping. The EVA core may be 5 mm thick with a durometer of 80. Other embodiments may have the EVA core of thicknesses from 4-6 mm, with durometer of 65-100. In other embodiments, alternative materials may substitute for molded EVA and/or nylon fabric.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pocketed guard for a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 300 of FIG. 3 includes two alternative molded plastic forms 330A and 330B, empty pocketed guard 320A, and filled pocketed guard 320B. Empty pocketed guard 320A includes pocket 322. Filled pocketed guard 320B includes pocket 322, opening 324, badge 326, and stretchable material 328.

In this embodiment the guard attachment 320B comprises 2 separate pieces. The first piece is a fabric sleeve, corresponding to empty pocketed guard 320A, that connects to a baby carrier in the manner shown in FIG. 2A and described above. The second piece is a molded plastic form 330A or 330B that is inserted into pocket 322 of empty pocketed guard 320A to provide protection as filled pocketed guard 320B.

Wrap-Around Guard Attachment

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wrap-around guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 400 of FIG. 4 includes baby carrier 410, unwrapped guard 420A, and wrapped guard 420B. Baby carrier 410 includes fastening element 412. Unwrapped guard 420A includes attachment means 422, design accent 424, and badge 426. With respect to FIG. 4, baby carrier 410 may correspond to baby carrier 110 from FIG. 1.

In the depicted embodiment, guard 420A attaches in a different manner than is shown in FIG. 2A. Flaps 422 of the unwrapped guard 420A wrap around the bottom piece of baby carrier 410 and attach to each other with a hook and loop closure or some other means. Wrapped guard 420B is a result of wrapping flaps 422 around the bottom piece of baby carrier 410. The attachment point is located above the fastening element 412 to ensure the security of the connection between unwrapped guard 420A and baby carrier 410. Fastening element 412 may correspond to fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A, although FIG. 4 shows the opposite side of the fastening element.

Through-Buckle Guard Attachment

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a two-piece through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 500 of FIG. 5 includes baby carrier 510, main body portion 520, opened clip 530A, closed clip 530B, and through-buckle guard 540. Baby carrier 510 includes fastening element 512. Main body portion 520 includes attachment means 522 and piping 528. Opened clip 530A includes attachment means 522. Closed clip 530B includes badge 526. Through-buckle guard 540 includes main body portion 520 and closed clip 530B. With respect to FIG. 5, baby carrier 510 may correspond to baby carrier 110 from FIG. 1.

This embodiment is another example of a two-piece approach to the guard attachment. The first piece is a clip 530A that is passed through the baby carrier fastening element 512 as shown in FIG. 5. The second piece is a molded guard 520 that provides protection. The two pieces are assembled into the completed guard attachment 540 using attachment points 522 as shown in FIG. 5. Attachments points 522 are hook and loop closures or similar. Fastening element 512 may correspond to fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A, although FIG. 5 shows the opposite side of fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 600 of FIG. 6 includes baby carrier 610, main body portion 620, opened clip 630A, closed clip 630B, and completed through-buckle guard 640. Baby carrier 610 includes fastening element 612. Main body portion 620 includes attachment means 622. Opened clip 630A includes attachment means 622. Closed clip 630B includes badge 626 and clip end 632. Through-buckle guard 640 includes main body portion 620 and closed clip 630B. With respect to FIG. 6, baby carrier 610 may correspond to baby carrier 110 from FIG. 1.

This embodiment is similar to the completed through buckle guard attachment 540 shown in FIG. 5; however, the main body 620 and closed clip 630B are one piece rather than two. Guard attachment 620 is attached to baby carrier 610 by passing opened clip 630A upwards through the baby carrier fastening element 612 as shown in FIG. 6, then closing the clip downwards using attachment points 622. Attachment points 622 are hook and loop closures or similar. The fastening element 612 may correspond to fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A, although FIG. 6 shows the opposite side of fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable through-buckle guard attaching to a baby carrier, according to an embodiment. Diagram 700 of FIG. 7 includes baby carrier 710, main body back portion 720A, main body front portion 720B, clip 730, and height adjustable guard 740. Baby carrier 710 includes fastening element 712. Main body back portion 720A includes attachment means 722. Clip 730 includes attachment means 722. Main body front portion 720B includes design accent 724 and badge 726. With respect to FIG. 7, baby carrier 710 may correspond to baby carrier 110 from FIG. 1.

This embodiment is similar to the completed through buckle guard attachment 640 shown in FIG. 6; however, the shape of the main body 720A and 720B is flatter and narrower and clip 730 passes downward through the baby carrier fastening element 712. This guard attachment 720A and 720B is attached to baby carrier 710 by passing the opened clip 730 downwards through the baby carrier fastening element 712 as shown in FIG. 7, then closing the clip downwards using attachment points 722. Attachment points 722 are hook and loop closures or similar. Fastening element 712 may correspond to fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A, although FIG. 7 shows the opposite side of fastening element 212 in FIG. 2A.

This embodiment has the advantage of allowing a wide range of positions for the guard attachment 740 via variations in the relative positions of the attachment points 722. Taking advantage of this variability, the wearer can position the guard attachment 740 significantly higher or lower relative to baby carrier 710 in order to account for differences in carrier adjustments and/or anatomy.

Embodiments described herein provide valuable improvements over a standard baby carrier (e.g., 110). Front-facing carriers are comfortable and safe for baby, while leaving the wearer's hands free to carry objects, care for other children, etc. Older babies are happier in these carriers for longer periods when they face frontwards and can better experience their surroundings visually. Unfortunately, this configuration exposes the wearer to discomfort or injury from a baby's kicks. Embodiments allow the wearer and the baby to experience the benefits of prolonged and comfortable carrying in a front-facing carrier, while preventing this major drawback.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature, advantage or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A guard for a baby carrier, the guard comprising: an elongated top portion including an opening near a top of the elongated top portion; a widened bottom portion connected to a bottom of the elongated top portion; wherein the guard substantially covers a pelvic region of a caregiver when the caregiver is wearing the baby carrier and the opening is used as a handle to hang onto a fastening element at a base of the baby carrier.
 2. The guard of claim 1, wherein the elongated top portion is 110 mm to 166 mm wide, the widened bottom portion is 160 mm to 240 mm wide, the opening is 80 mm to 120 mm wide and 32 to 48 mm long, and the guard is 240 mm to 362 mm long.
 3. The guard of claim 1, wherein a material of the guard comprises molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with a thickness of 4-6 mm and a durometer of 65-100.
 4. A guard for a baby carrier, the guard comprising: an attachment means; a main body portion substantially covering a pelvic region of a caregiver when the caregiver is wearing the baby carrier and the attachment means is attached to a base of the baby carrier.
 5. The guard of claim 4, wherein the main body portion comprises: an elongated top portion including the attachment means; a widened bottom portion connected to a bottom of the elongated top portion.
 6. The guard of claim 5, wherein the elongated top portion is 110 mm to 166 mm wide, and wherein the widened bottom portion is 160 mm to 240 mm wide.
 7. The guard of claim 4, wherein the attachment means comprises an opening near a top of the main body portion, and wherein the attachment means is attached to the base of the baby carrier by using the opening as a handle to hang onto a fastening element of the baby carrier.
 8. The guard of claim 7, wherein the opening is 80 mm to 120 mm wide and 32 to 48 mm long.
 9. The guard of claim 7, wherein the fastening element comprises a buckle that is attachable to one or more clips of the baby carrier to secure the guard in place.
 10. The guard of claim 4, wherein the guard is 240 to 362 mm long.
 11. The guard of claim 4, wherein the main body portion comprises a pocket of stretchable material receiving a sheet or molded form of plastic.
 12. The guard of claim 4, wherein the attachment means comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 13. The guard of claim 4, wherein the attachment means extends from sides of the main body portion to wrap around the base of the baby carrier, the wrapping around above a fastening element of the baby carrier.
 14. The guard of claim 4, wherein the attachment means comprises a clip that is inserted into a fastening element of the baby carrier, wherein the clip is attached to a back of the main body portion.
 15. The guard of claim 14, wherein the clip is attached to a top of the main body portion.
 16. The guard of claim 14, wherein the clip is attachable within a range of positions to the back of the main body portion, enabling a height adjustment of the guard.
 17. The guard of claim 4, wherein a shape of the guard is substantially flat or convex.
 18. The guard of claim 4, wherein a shape of the guard is substantially rectangular.
 19. The guard of claim 4, wherein a material of the guard comprises molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with a thickness of 4-6 mm and a durometer of 65-100.
 20. A baby carrier providing protection for a pelvic region of a caregiver, the baby carrier comprising: a carrier portion structured to receive and secure an infant facing away from the caregiver; a guard portion integrated with the carrier portion and substantially covering the pelvic region of the caregiver when the caregiver is wearing the baby carrier. 